The Undie Chest Launches 2026 Annual Back-to-School Undie Drive Honoring the School Heroes Behind the Mission

August campaign will spotlight educators, nurses, and school staff while rallying community support for students who need new, clean undergarments.

Media Contact: Elaine Birks-Mitchell, Founder and Executive Director | contactus@undiechest.org

GILBERT, Ariz. - July 21, 2026 - Back-to-school season often centers on backpacks, notebooks, shoes, and classroom supplies. But one basic essential is frequently missing from the conversation: underwear.

For students, access to new, clean, comfortable underwear can influence how prepared they feel to take part in the school day. It supports hygiene, comfort, confidence, and the ability to focus without the distraction or embarrassment of going without a basic necessity.

This August, The Undie Chest will launch its 2026 Annual Back-to-School Undie Drive under the theme “Above and Beyond: The School Heroes Behind the Mission.” The monthlong campaign will pair the need for essential undergarments with stories of the educators, school nurses, and staff members whose care for students extends far beyond academics.

Throughout August, The Undie Chest will feature individuals nominated for the Barbara J. Birks Above and Beyond Award. Their stories show that meaningful student support is physical, emotional, and deeply human - whether that means noticing an unmet need, helping a family through a difficult transition, or creating a school environment where students feel seen and supported.

“When we talk about helping students succeed, we also have to talk about the basic needs that make it possible for them to show up feeling comfortable and confident,” said Elaine Birks-Mitchell, Founder and Executive Director of The Undie Chest. “This campaign honors the school heroes who recognize those needs every day and invites the wider community to stand beside them.”

The campaign invites individuals, businesses, community groups, and retail partners to help students begin the school year with dignity. Supporters can participate by making a financial contribution, donating approved new undergarments, hosting a community drive, sharing the campaign, or exploring sponsorship and retail partnership opportunities.

How Financial Support Helps

• Purchase high-demand sizes and styles that product donations may not provide

• Fill urgent inventory gaps identified by schools and community partners

• Prepare and fulfill school requests

• Support shipping, delivery, coordination, and impact tracking

The Annual Back-to-School Undie Drive runs August 1-31, 2026. Campaign details, participation opportunities, and donation links are available on The Undie Chest event page.

Campaign details: View the 2026 Annual Back-to-School Undie Drive

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About The Undie Chest
The Undie Chest is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that works to ensure access to new, clean undergarments for individuals and families facing poverty, homelessness, displacement, and other forms of financial hardship. Through partnerships with schools, shelters, nonprofits, and community organizations, The Undie Chest helps make dignity, hygiene, comfort, and confidence more accessible.